100 young representatives from 100 countries planted 100 olive trees for world peace.
As part of the 24th International Istanbul Büyükçekmece Culture and Arts Festival, 1550 cultural and artistic ambassadors from 100 countries gathered and united the soil with 100 olive trees for world peace.
In the olive planting ceremony, where young artistic ambassadors from all around the world participated in their traditional costumes and with their flags, Büyükçekmece Mayor Dr. Hasan Akgün, speaking, said: ‘In the 100th year of our Republic, entrusted to us by Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, in order to eternalize peace and love worldwide, the region where 100 olive trees, symbols of peace and friendship, meet the soil is now named the ‘Olive Grove of Peace,’ leaving its mark in history.’
“May world peace live forever.”
For the 100th anniversary of our Republic and for world peace, Büyükçekmece Mayor Dr. Hasan Akgün and the artistic ambassadors from 100 countries who attended the 24th International Istanbul Büyükçekmece Culture and Arts Festival planted 100 olive trees. Mayor Akgün, expressing the significance of bringing olive trees and soil together in honor of the 100th anniversary of our Republic and for world peace, said: ‘Representatives of 100 countries are all currently beside these olive trees. We are all here not only for democracy but especially for peace, planting 100 olive trees. We also considered this festival as a part of the celebrations for the 100th anniversary of our Republic. Therefore, these 100 olive trees are being planted in memory of our magnificent Republic, entrusted to us by our founder, Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, and there is a sign as you enter through the gate that reads, ‘Olive Grove of Peace.’ Congratulations. May world peace live forever. I need to express one more thing. We are at the 24th International Istanbul Büyükçekmece Culture and Arts Festival, and from the first day until now, the main theme of our festival has been known to the whole world as ‘Love to Each Other, Peace to All.’ These olives meet the soil not only for the sake of democracy but also for the sake of love, peace, and happiness, for the sake of world peace. Let it be blessed, let it be good. May the 100th anniversary of our Republic be eternally blessed and continue to infinity.’
“I am very happy to have done something for world peace.”
Cultural and artistic ambassadors from Africa and Chile, representing 100 countries at the 24th International Istanbul Büyükçekmece Culture and Arts Festival, expressed their joy in participating in such an event for peace:
Branco Henriquez Huerta (Chile): ‘It was a very uplifting feeling for me. I feel very happy for having done something for national peace. Being a part of this event in Büyükçekmece as a young person has made me very happy.’
Kholeka Ntombela (South Africa): ‘Since I am already involved in promoting peace at home and also engaged in agriculture, I feel very peaceful and tranquil about this. I am very happy right now.'”